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Pass Christian

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Pass Christian, MS

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STR Regulations for Pass Christian, Mississippi

Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed?

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Pass Christian, MS. However, the city has implemented significant regulatory controls to manage growth and prevent neighborhood overcrowding. As of October 2023, Pass Christian has adopted comprehensive amendments to its short-term rental ordinance that balance property owner rights with community preservation.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Pass Christian?

Pass Christian hosts earn a median $25,923/year with $192 ADR and 46% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $37,494+ per year.

See the full Pass Christian market breakdown

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Pass Christian

Starting an STR operation in Pass Christian requires careful planning due to the city's regulatory framework. The process involves:

  1. Property Assessment: Verify your property's zoning classification and current STR density in your neighborhood
  2. Pre-Application Consultation: Contact the Community Development Department to confirm eligibility
  3. Permit Application: Submit the required STR permit application
  4. Compliance Setup: Ensure your property meets all safety and operational requirements
  5. Community Integration: Designate a local contact person and establish neighbor communication protocols

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary Requirements:

  • STR Permit (mandatory)
  • Local Contact Person designation
  • Property Insurance (standard property coverage recommended)
  • Business Registration (if applicable at state level)
  • Safety Compliance Documentation

Operational Requirements:

  • Contact information must be provided to surrounding residences
  • Emergency contact protocols must be established
  • Local contact person must be able to respond to complaints within 1 hour

Specific Regulations in Pass Christian, Harrison County, Mississippi

Geographic and Density Controls:

Residential and Mixed-Use Areas (T-3R and T-4L Zones):

  • Maximum cap of 150 short-term rentals across these zones
  • 20% density limit per neighborhood (no more than 20% of homes can be STRs)
  • Approximately 100 STRs were operating as of October 2023
  • Permit transfers prohibited in these zones if the neighborhood density cap has been exceeded

Commercial Areas (T-5C and T-4+ Zones):

  • No overall cap on the number of STRs
  • Density limits still apply in T-4+ zones (80% maximum)
  • Downtown commercial district actively encourages STR development

Enforcement Framework:

Public Safety Complaints:

  • Direct to Police Department
  • Includes disturbing the peace and traffic obstructions

Non-Public Safety Complaints:

  • First to local contact person
  • If unresolved within 1 hour, escalate to Community Development Department during business hours

Compliance Monitoring:

  • Community Development Department maintains STR owner database
  • Contact information distributed to surrounding residences
  • Public listing of STR contact information on city website

Permit Transfer Rules:

  • Upon property sale, STR permits transfer to new owner except in residential and mixed-use zones where the density cap has been exceeded

Contact Information for Local STR Authority

City of Pass Christian - Community Development Department

  • Address: 200 W. Scenic Dr., Pass Christian, MS 39571
  • Phone: (228) 452-3311 or (228) 452-3310
  • Website: pass-christian.com
  • Community Development Contact: Mark Savasta and Jenny Lowery (as referenced in ordinance amendments)
  • Mayor: Kenny Torgeson - (228) 452-3311
  • City Attorney: Malcolm Jones

Police Department (for public safety complaints):

  • Non-emergency contact through main city number

Online Resources:

Source References

  1. Pass Christian STR Ordinance Amendments (WLOX News Report)

  2. Official City STR Update

  3. Detailed Board Meeting Coverage (The Gazebo Gazette)

Investment Considerations

Opportunity Zones:

  • Downtown commercial district (T-5C) offers unlimited STR potential
  • Mixed-use areas near commercial zones may provide strategic positioning

Compliance Risks:

  • Enforced density limits require careful neighborhood analysis before investment
  • Local contact person requirement creates operational responsibility
  • Enforcement framework emphasizes community relations

Market Timing:

  • With 100 STRs operating versus a 150-cap in residential areas, remaining capacity exists but is limited
  • Near-term investments should prioritize understanding neighborhood density status

This regulatory environment reflects Pass Christian's measured approach to tourism development while preserving residential neighborhood character. Investors should engage early with the Community Development Department to confirm property eligibility and understand current neighborhood STR density before making acquisition decisions.

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Pass Christian

Market Saturation Score

036912
Moderate Saturation
6/ 12
months with declining YoY revenue
5–7 declining months: moderate saturation risk - market may be nearing capacity.
View Full Pass Christian Market Analysis

Photos of Pass Christian

Overview of Pass Christian

Pass Christian, often simply called "The Pass" by locals, is a small coastal city in Harrison County, Mississippi, situated along the Gulf of Mexico on the state's scenic Gulf Coast. With a population of roughly 5,000 residents, it has the feel of a quiet, historic seaside town while still being within easy reach of larger regional hubs. The community is best known for its wide, white-sand beaches, its busy working harbor, and its role as one of the oldest resort destinations on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. It sits just west of Gulfport and approximately 60 to 65 miles east-northeast of New Orleans, making it a convenient stop for travelers exploring the Gulf South.

The beach itself is the city's main draw, offering miles of soft sand, calm Gulf waters, and a relaxed atmosphere that feels a world away from busier coastal destinations. Stretching along the city's western edge, the shoreline is publicly accessible in several places and is popular for swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and long walks at sunset. Locals and visitors alike prize the uncrowded stretch of sand and the soft evening light over the water.

The Pass Christian Harbor, located on the southern side of the city, is another local landmark and one of the larger recreational and commercial fishing harbors on the Mississippi coast. Its mix of private yachts, charter boats, and commercial shrimping vessels gives the town a working maritime character that sets it apart from purely residential beach communities. Visitors often come down to the harbor to watch the boats come and go or to book a fishing trip.

Just a short drive east along the coast lies Gulfport, the second-largest city in Mississippi and home to restaurants, shops, and the departure point for ferries to Ship Island. The island, part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, is known for its pristine beaches, historic Fort Massachusetts, and clear protected waters. To the west, the historic town of Bay St. Louis and its Old Town district offer antique shops, art galleries, and waterfront dining, while Buccaneer State Park in nearby Waveland provides camping, walking trails, and family-friendly recreation.

Pass Christian makes a compelling base for short-term rental owners because it offers the best of both worlds: a small-town, low-key coastal atmosphere paired with quick access to the wider Gulf Coast's entertainment, dining, and outdoor recreation. Its proximity to Gulfport, Biloxi, and New Orleans, combined with a deep-rooted maritime heritage and genuinely walkable beach access, gives the town year-round appeal for couples, families, and snowbirds looking to experience the Mississippi Gulf Coast at an unhurried pace.

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